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Israel and Hamas Receive Final Ceasefire Draft: 33 Hostages to Be Released

Jan 13, 2025, 01:16 PM

Mediator Qatar has handed Israel and Hamas a final draft of a ceasefire and hostage release agreement to end the war in Gaza, following a significant breakthrough in negotiations. The draft has been sent to both parties for approval after midnight talks in Doha, attended by envoys from the United States, including President-elect Donald Trump's envoy, the Israeli Mossad Chief, and the Qatari Prime Minister. The deal involves the release of 33 hostages in the first phase, including women, children, elderly, injured, and ill individuals. The ceasefire is expected to last 42 days in the initial phase. Israel and mediators from Egypt, the U.S., and Qatar have agreed on the draft and are awaiting Hamas's response. Israeli officials estimate most of the hostages are alive but acknowledge that some may be dead. The negotiations are in advanced stages, but a final agreement has not yet been reached.